I've never done the Amtrak, but I've done the Metrolink from Burbank to Anaheim to meet my family at D-land on a Friday night. Saved me HOURS on the freeway. Take one train to Union Station, and every time I did it, I got off the first train, walked directly across the platform and got on the next train, waited about 10 minutes and we were off. Only way it could have been any easier is to not have to change trains. Put your bike in the rack (every Metrolink car I've ever been on has a couple racks on one end of the car), grab a seat nearby and enjoy the ride.